Trenton man charged in stabbing death has 'remarkable' criminal history with 14 felony convictions

David Noncent, 40, is charged with murder in connection with the stabbing death of Courtney Levine on Dec. 4.file photo

TRENTON – The Trenton man charged with stabbing his ex-girlfriend's brother to death earlier this month has a "remarkable" criminal history that includes 14 felony convictions, a judge said today.

Judge Thomas Brown cited the past offenses of David Noncent, 40, and the serious nature of the murder charge he currently faces in maintaining Noncent's bail at $1 million at a hearing in Superior Court in Mercer County.

Noncent, who had just been released from jail in November, is accused of stabbing Courtney Levine, 26, to death outside a North Trenton home on Dec. 4.

“He was stabbed one time in the chest,” Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Lacken said. “It pierced his lung and he bled to death internally.”

Levine resided with his sister in North Trenton, Lacken said. When Noncent visited the house at 10:20 p.m. on Dec. 4, Levine confronted him about an alleged history of domestic violence involving Levine's sister and chased him from the house, Lacken said.

The chase continued outside as both men ran in opposite directions around the house. When they met in front of the Chapel Street house, Noncent stabbed Levine, Lacken said.

Noncent fled and was at large for about 18 hours before he turned himself in, police said. Noncent is charged with first degree murder and weapons offenses.

Noncent’s attorney said he denies the allegations.

Noncent is a registered sex offender, as he has a conviction for criminal sexual contact. The majority of Noncent’s convictions are for theft and deceit related offenses.

Noncent also has a criminal history in Virginia and Pennsylvania, Lacken said.